Vegas/Phoenix in Feb? Or Seattle? Advice please
Nov 28th, 2023, 06:03 AM
#22
While visiting both Sedona and Tucson does seem attractively feasible, I'll agree with Michelle and think picking one would be better. Especially if you include the day trip to Grand Canyon, seems like too much driving.
Although I sort of hinted at it above, I'm not really a fan of holding multiple hotel reservations, and don't know if you'd get lucky by holding off booking until the week before, when you can get a sense of the weather.
Tough choice. I'm slightly in favor of Tucson for better weather odds, and there is a lot to do either in town or as day trips, (Sonoron Desert Museum, Old Tucson, Kartchner Caverns, touristy but kind of fun Tombstone, Tomacacori National Historical Park, San Xavier del Bac, Sabino Canyon, interesting museums like the Mini Time Machine, Pima Air and Space Museum, Tohono Chul, a small zoo, small botanic gardens, Colossal Cave for the cool ladder tour, ...)
But the Sedona area is beautiful and Grand Canyon is Grand Canyon.
Good luck deciding, to some degree a no-lose situation. Have a great trip!
Although I sort of hinted at it above, I'm not really a fan of holding multiple hotel reservations, and don't know if you'd get lucky by holding off booking until the week before, when you can get a sense of the weather.
Tough choice. I'm slightly in favor of Tucson for better weather odds, and there is a lot to do either in town or as day trips, (Sonoron Desert Museum, Old Tucson, Kartchner Caverns, touristy but kind of fun Tombstone, Tomacacori National Historical Park, San Xavier del Bac, Sabino Canyon, interesting museums like the Mini Time Machine, Pima Air and Space Museum, Tohono Chul, a small zoo, small botanic gardens, Colossal Cave for the cool ladder tour, ...)
But the Sedona area is beautiful and Grand Canyon is Grand Canyon.
Good luck deciding, to some degree a no-lose situation. Have a great trip!
Nov 28th, 2023, 06:34 AM
#23
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Okay, after weighing in all the input, I think I will pivot to spending this trip in Tucson area. I don't like to fret about weather, and since my son also gets a week off in April, we can always go to Northern AZ for April break instead.
The guidebooks certainly have plenty of interesting sights for visiting in and around Tucson to fill up the 5 days we have there.
Currently my plan:
Tuesday arrive in Phoenix before noon — pick up rental car, lunch, and visit Desert Botanical garden, then drive down to Tucson (likely rent an AirBnB rather than a hotel)
Wednesday through Sunday — 5 full days in Tucson for hiking and maybe 2 day trips
Monday — Return to Phoenix, visit Taliesin West and Heard Museum, return rental car and stay at airport hotel for the night
Tuesday — 8:30am flight out of Phoenix
I am leaning towards spending our last night at an airport hotel (with free airport shuttle, or the 1 or 2 hotel that is right by the skytrain station). That way we can return the car the night before and save time on our departure morning given how early our flight is. Does that sound reasonable? Or do you think that if we stay outside of the airport area (either Scottsdale or Tempe), we will still be okay driving to the airport and returning the car and waiting for the sky train? I don't know how bad traffic is in the phoenix area around 6:30am and don't want to stress over.
The guidebooks certainly have plenty of interesting sights for visiting in and around Tucson to fill up the 5 days we have there.
Currently my plan:
Tuesday arrive in Phoenix before noon — pick up rental car, lunch, and visit Desert Botanical garden, then drive down to Tucson (likely rent an AirBnB rather than a hotel)
Wednesday through Sunday — 5 full days in Tucson for hiking and maybe 2 day trips
Monday — Return to Phoenix, visit Taliesin West and Heard Museum, return rental car and stay at airport hotel for the night
Tuesday — 8:30am flight out of Phoenix
I am leaning towards spending our last night at an airport hotel (with free airport shuttle, or the 1 or 2 hotel that is right by the skytrain station). That way we can return the car the night before and save time on our departure morning given how early our flight is. Does that sound reasonable? Or do you think that if we stay outside of the airport area (either Scottsdale or Tempe), we will still be okay driving to the airport and returning the car and waiting for the sky train? I don't know how bad traffic is in the phoenix area around 6:30am and don't want to stress over.
Nov 28th, 2023, 06:51 AM
#24
Sounds like a good plan. April would be better for Sedona / GC. Sorry can't help you on the airport traffic situation.
For hiking of course you have Saguaro NP West (Wasson Peak area is nice) and East (note the trailheads at the far east ends of Broadway and Speedway Blvds), Sabino Canyon, and Catalina State Park. That pretty much covers the four corners of Tucson! Have a great trip. Hope I steered you right.
For hiking of course you have Saguaro NP West (Wasson Peak area is nice) and East (note the trailheads at the far east ends of Broadway and Speedway Blvds), Sabino Canyon, and Catalina State Park. That pretty much covers the four corners of Tucson! Have a great trip. Hope I steered you right.
Nov 28th, 2023, 09:51 AM
#26
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There are many interesting things to do/see in Tucson: El Presidio, Barrio Historico, and Armoy Park historic districts, Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, Saguaro National Park (two units), Mission San Xavier del Bac (1797), Madera Canyon (some of the best birding in the US), hiking the Butterfly Trail on Mt. Lemmon, viewing the Tucson Botanical Gardens, Ft. Lowell Historic Site and neighborhood, 1896 St. Augustine Cathedral (murals and stained glass windows). Hiking in Abino Canyon. Visiting the Tucson Art Museum, and riding the Sun Link streetcars. Tucson is the self-described “Mexican Food Capital of the US”.
Nov 28th, 2023, 02:33 PM
#29
Hampton Inn works for an airport hotel. I would call and ask how often the airport shuttle runs in the morning, and how early breakfast starts.
If it snows up there (they ski!) they may close the Mt. Lemmon Highway or require chains.. I know people who are afraid to drive it even in summer, be sure you are okay with blind curves and are used to mountain driving, especially coming downhill. It is paved the entire way and has pullouts.
You have been given the full list of things to do around Tucson, and probably have those in your guidebooks also. The last time I was there for birding I drove by the Whipple Observatory on Mt. Hopkins. I don't think it's in the guidebooks but it's on the official tourism website. Unfortunately the tours don't start until mid March but you can see the outside from the Whipple Picnic Area . If you are going to Tubac it's a short detour from there
https://www.visitarizona.com/directo...e-observatory/
PS I know there is a notorious cut-and-paster above, but FYI Madera Canyon is not much of a birding hotspot in winter.
If it snows up there (they ski!) they may close the Mt. Lemmon Highway or require chains.. I know people who are afraid to drive it even in summer, be sure you are okay with blind curves and are used to mountain driving, especially coming downhill. It is paved the entire way and has pullouts.
You have been given the full list of things to do around Tucson, and probably have those in your guidebooks also. The last time I was there for birding I drove by the Whipple Observatory on Mt. Hopkins. I don't think it's in the guidebooks but it's on the official tourism website. Unfortunately the tours don't start until mid March but you can see the outside from the Whipple Picnic Area . If you are going to Tubac it's a short detour from there
https://www.visitarizona.com/directo...e-observatory/
PS I know there is a notorious cut-and-paster above, but FYI Madera Canyon is not much of a birding hotspot in winter.
Last edited by mlgb; Nov 28th, 2023 at 02:52 PM.
Nov 30th, 2023, 03:17 AM
#30
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I think you've made a wise decision to concentrate on Tucson for this trip.
I'd also favor the idea of staying at the airport hotel for the last day.
Although you can certainly do a day trip to Tubac from Tucson, we enjoyed staying there overnight, visiting the San Xavier del Bac mission on the way the first day.
I'd also favor the idea of staying at the airport hotel for the last day.
Although you can certainly do a day trip to Tubac from Tucson, we enjoyed staying there overnight, visiting the San Xavier del Bac mission on the way the first day.
Nov 30th, 2023, 07:58 AM
#32
If you wanted to stay two nights south of Tucson I can recommend the Spirit Tree Inn, which has includes a cooked to order breakfast at whatever time works for you. My friends stayed as a family in the larger house, I stayed in a Ranch House guest room, and there is also the smaller "Bunkhouse". Probaby best to call them to discuss which room might work best. Super friendly hosts. NB: Internet is very spotty and there are no TVs!!
https://www.spirittreeinn.com/ranch-house.htm
https://www.spirittreeinn.com/ranch-house.htm
Dec 1st, 2023, 04:27 AM
#33
We can help you with Tucson dining choices too.
The oldest Mexican restaurant in Tucson (1922) is El Charro on Court Street. They have outdoor patio dining too.Try their Carne Seca and Chimichangas.Tucson is only 60 miles from US/Mexico border.
There are many small Chinese( China Szechuan, Jun Dunasty) Thai and Vietnamese restaurants in Tucson too which are our favorites.Best small Japanese is Ikkyu.
Hopefully jubilada will add some of her favorites.
The oldest Mexican restaurant in Tucson (1922) is El Charro on Court Street. They have outdoor patio dining too.Try their Carne Seca and Chimichangas.Tucson is only 60 miles from US/Mexico border.
There are many small Chinese( China Szechuan, Jun Dunasty) Thai and Vietnamese restaurants in Tucson too which are our favorites.Best small Japanese is Ikkyu.
Hopefully jubilada will add some of her favorites.
Last edited by HappyTrvlr; Dec 1st, 2023 at 04:53 AM.
Dec 1st, 2023, 09:38 AM
#34
The El Charro on Sunrise is also good, albeit different atmosphere than downtown. But if you are up that way, near Sabino Canyon.
We also like both Eclectic Cafe and Renee's, next door to each other on Tanque Verde.
Beyond Bread for the best sandwiches is town. Three locations around town, four if you include the airport.
Two excellent Jubilada recommendations:
Guilin Chinese on Broadway
Tumerico, vegetarian / vegan Latin food on 6th.
We also like both Eclectic Cafe and Renee's, next door to each other on Tanque Verde.
Beyond Bread for the best sandwiches is town. Three locations around town, four if you include the airport.
Two excellent Jubilada recommendations:
Guilin Chinese on Broadway
Tumerico, vegetarian / vegan Latin food on 6th.
Dec 3rd, 2023, 05:16 AM
#35
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Thank you thank you!
I am going to have to narrow down the number of places/ attractions we want to see, how much hiking we want to do, and how many day trips. It may be worthwhile to drive further south/southwest on our arrival day and stay in a small town for Tombstone / Kartchner caverns for the first night (or 2), before moving to Tucson for the rest of the trip. You have given me plenty to consider and research on.
I am going to have to narrow down the number of places/ attractions we want to see, how much hiking we want to do, and how many day trips. It may be worthwhile to drive further south/southwest on our arrival day and stay in a small town for Tombstone / Kartchner caverns for the first night (or 2), before moving to Tucson for the rest of the trip. You have given me plenty to consider and research on.
Dec 4th, 2023, 06:10 AM
#37
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What I meant is driving to that general area on the first day to stay the night, then visit those places on the second day, before moving to Tucson that evening for the rest of the trip.
Dec 4th, 2023, 07:13 AM
#38
You could spend a night in Benson. You might ask why.
It's only about 40 minutes from the Tucson airport.
Nearby is an interesting and excellent Native American museum that has "8 miles of self-guided walking trails through the iconic boulder formations of Texas Canyon".
https://www.amerind.org/
Benson is also only 20 minutes from Kartchner Caverns and 30 minutes to Tombstone. You could put them together on one day.
In between Tombstone and Kartchner is a "ghost town" with a trail system along an attractive river. Good birding there.
https://www.blm.gov/visit/fairbank-historic-townsite
Google says stopping at all four of those places plus getting back to Tucson is about 2.5 hours. Or spend two nights in Benson for a more leisurely day making that little loop.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vomMJs9Ac9t9FkdV8
Once again note that you need advanced reservations for Kartchner and historically they can be tough to get.
You have options! Have a great trip.
It's only about 40 minutes from the Tucson airport.
Nearby is an interesting and excellent Native American museum that has "8 miles of self-guided walking trails through the iconic boulder formations of Texas Canyon".
https://www.amerind.org/
Benson is also only 20 minutes from Kartchner Caverns and 30 minutes to Tombstone. You could put them together on one day.
In between Tombstone and Kartchner is a "ghost town" with a trail system along an attractive river. Good birding there.
https://www.blm.gov/visit/fairbank-historic-townsite
Google says stopping at all four of those places plus getting back to Tucson is about 2.5 hours. Or spend two nights in Benson for a more leisurely day making that little loop.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vomMJs9Ac9t9FkdV8
Once again note that you need advanced reservations for Kartchner and historically they can be tough to get.
You have options! Have a great trip.
Dec 12th, 2023, 06:16 PM
#40
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You could spend a night in Benson. You might ask why.
It's only about 40 minutes from the Tucson airport.
Nearby is an interesting and excellent Native American museum that has "8 miles of self-guided walking trails through the iconic boulder formations of Texas Canyon".
https://www.amerind.org/
Benson is also only 20 minutes from Kartchner Caverns and 30 minutes to Tombstone. You could put them together on one day.
In between Tombstone and Kartchner is a "ghost town" with a trail system along an attractive river. Good birding there.
https://www.blm.gov/visit/fairbank-historic-townsite
Google says stopping at all four of those places plus getting back to Tucson is about 2.5 hours. Or spend two nights in Benson for a more leisurely day making that little loop.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vomMJs9Ac9t9FkdV8
Once again note that you need advanced reservations for Kartchner and historically they can be tough to get.
You have options! Have a great trip.
It's only about 40 minutes from the Tucson airport.
Nearby is an interesting and excellent Native American museum that has "8 miles of self-guided walking trails through the iconic boulder formations of Texas Canyon".
https://www.amerind.org/
Benson is also only 20 minutes from Kartchner Caverns and 30 minutes to Tombstone. You could put them together on one day.
In between Tombstone and Kartchner is a "ghost town" with a trail system along an attractive river. Good birding there.
https://www.blm.gov/visit/fairbank-historic-townsite
Google says stopping at all four of those places plus getting back to Tucson is about 2.5 hours. Or spend two nights in Benson for a more leisurely day making that little loop.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vomMJs9Ac9t9FkdV8
Once again note that you need advanced reservations for Kartchner and historically they can be tough to get.
You have options! Have a great trip.
So this would look like:
arrive at Phoenix before noon, pick up car and head to desert botanical garden around 1pm. Lunch and explore the garden until 3pm, drive to Bisbee, arriving around 6pm. Stay one night.
Next day do Mine tour (first tour is 9am) , then stop in Tombstone for a few hours, then to Kartchner cavern for mid/late afternoon tour , then drive to Tucson and check in at airbnb. I know it seems a bit aggressive, but that might be the best way to use our time? After we arrive in Tucson, we can have a more leisurely pace.
